An Interesting Three-Part Series By Kelleigh Nelson as she names the players and offers insight into some of the behind the scenes ties and connections related to the upcoming GOP National Convention in Cleveland next week where the GOP Presidential nominee will be selected:

“Delegate Correll actually won this case, and is now free to essentially vote his conscience pursuant to RNC Rule 16 that required ALL state primaries held BEFORE March 15th to be by "proportionate" voting, and not winner take all.’

“Virginia's statute was in conflict with RNC Rule 16, as it required "winner take all" delegate voting at its March 1st 2016 primary, and made it a criminal offense not too so vote at the convention! Since several candidates received votes in the VA primary, Correll and other VA delegates are not bound to Trump, although they can vote for him.

“Basically, the VA party and legislature messed up here as they were in direct violation of the RNC rules on primaries. As far as RNC Rules 37 and 38 dealing with conscience voting, the Judge ruled both of these rules were temporary RNC rules that had not yet been specifically adopted for the upcoming convention, so therefore, their application to this case was not timely for a decision. Nevertheless, the Judge's ruling on RNC Rule 16 preempting VA State law, gives all VA delegates the right to vote their conscience and not be "mandated" to vote for Trump

Editor’s Note: Brickman’s wife Linda serves on the NRC Convention Rules Committee, along with Arizona’s National Committeeman Bruce Ash, who chairs the NRC Standing Rules Committee. Both Ash and Linda Brickman oppose “unbinding delegates” to vote for the candidate of their choice. Linda Brickman told Briefs this morning (from Cleveland) that although she served on the AZ Leadership Team Cruz for President 2016 - her first delegate vote is committed to Trump –in accordance with Arizona Law. “I am not a (Nancy) Pelosi where I vote first and then read what I voted for. As a delegate, I will vote to represent AZ, not my agenda,” she emphasized.

LD22 Delegate Lori Hack (AZ delegate who refuses to vote for Trump): "Today (yesterday 7-12-16) a federal judge ruled that delegates who committed to Donald Trump can leave him and choose another candidate. It’s pretty much all over the news. The judge is Senior United States District Judge Robert E. Payne. It’s RNC Rule 16 and the delegate involved is attorney Carroll “Beau” Correll Jr., who vowed never to vote for Trump. Now he won’t have to. But on Donald Trump’s Facebook page and website, the campaign has posted a completely fictitious version of what happened. The headline in both places is 'Federal Court Sides With Grassroots Activists: RNC Delegates Are Bound to Follow Election Results." Editor’s Note: The Virginia ruling does NOT apply in Arizona, according to Arizona Attorney Robert Brickman – see Brickman’s post above.

LD14 PC Bruce M Piepho - Open Letter To Bruce Ash: I find it regrettable that there are prominent local, state and national politicians who remain against Trump for president. The Republicans against Trump (RAT) PACK just may lead to the destruction of America as a Republic. No man or woman is perfect in the eyes of GOD as we have all been born in sin. The RAT PACK are simply perpetuating their own sins by not forgiving Trump for any offense. The most important agenda for American citizens in the next 4 months is electing a President. Our country is in dire need of leadership. General Patton was a great leader in WWII and failed as a person when he slapped a low ranking Army member. Patton was punished and then reinstated to lead the charge across Europe. A President of the US (POTUS) candidate’s qualifications go beyond the basics of age, citizenship, political correct speech, hurt feelings by name calling or perceived racists slurs, etc. We must consider Muslim Brotherhood members have infiltrated our government and have but one intent - to destroy America. Muslim Islam refugees have been infiltrated with Islam Terrorists hell bent on destroying America and killing the infidels. Our nation is under attack and the invasion has begun. The POTUS candidate should possess the highest level of integrity, judgement and character. Candidates should be judged not on past positions or titles held but, rather, on their decisions and actions. The POTUS must lead with a vision reinforced through the consent of the American people. "We the People" decide not the RAT PACK! Patton was not nice. But Patton was a great leader. Trump is considered not nice by some. Trump is a leader the country needs in 2017. The RAT PACK must get over their personal problems. Editor’s Note: Bruce Ash is Arizona GOP’s National Committeeman and the National Republican Committee’s Rules Committee Chairman.

AGOP Vice Chair Gabby Saucedo Mercer: When I ran as a delegate I signed a pledged that I would support the winner of AZ presidential preference, I leave Saturday for Cleveland with a clear conscience and pledging to all the people who voted for Donald J. Trump that I will vote for him even if we go into a contested convention or if we have to vote 100 times. I do not take my promises, pledges, or oaths lightly. And you can all take that to the bank!

Editor’s Note: Briefs means short. To those submitting commentary – there is a 300 word limit on postings. If you exceed the word limit, your commentary will either not be posted or it will be edited to conform to the word limit policy– Frosty Taylor

LD25 Write-in candidate Itasca Small has announced the Merrianne Geisdorf has replaced Karen Gevaert as Small’s campaign manager. Geisdorf is a former LD25 PC and Tea Party activist who ran for the Mesa School Board in 2010.

Daisy Mountain Tea Party Chairman and PC Vera Anderson is working with the Phoenix Police Dept. to get a Blue Ribbon Campaign going to support local Law Enforcement officers. She needs $300 for buttons. Anyone wishing to contribute to the cause cane reach her at Veraanderson41@gmail.com

LD4 House candidate Richard Hopkins is having a Meet & Greet between 4-6 pm., Sat., July 16 at the CO-OP Grill, 18300 S Old US 80 in Arlington (the old Desert Rose). He is running against liberal legislator, Charlene Fernandez.

Attention Republican Candidates: If your event announcement is not posted within 24 hours from the time you submitted it - Briefs did NOT receive it. Please resend it to either frostytaylor@cox.net or repcomm@cox.net. Briefs does NOT post endorsements, nor does it endorse candidates. – Editor Frosty Taylor

Joseph Perron, CEO & President - AZ East Valley Pro-Life Alliance, Inc.: The U. S. House of Representatives is scheduled to vote tomorrow, Wed, July 13, 2016 on the Conscience Protection Act of 2016; (H.R.4828/S.2917) sponsored by Rep John Fleming, MD. This legislation is urgently needed to counter a growing number of states who are compelling employers and health care providers to participate in providing abortions. This bill would also prohibit government from mandating health care providers with conscientious objections to participate in abortion. Please urge your representative in the U. S. House to support this legislation as no one should be forced to participate in the brutally cruel act of abortion. To take immediate action: take action. Contact Perron: 480-216-7217Life@EVProLifeAlliance.org

Down Tucson Way A Retirement Party is planned for Sen John McCain on Monday evening, July 25, complete with a retirement cake and featuring US Senate candidate Dr. Kelli Ward and former congressman Tom Tancredo. Suggested donations $30 per person or $50 per couple. For reservations contact Karen Schutte at 520.877.3230 or 520.241.2256

Lydia Abril, Owner Of Lydia’s La Canasta Restaurant In Wickenburg, is hosting four “Believers For Trump” events at her restaurant at 2023 W Wickenburg Way (SW corner of Hwy 60/Vulture Peak Way). The events are scheduled at 7 pm on July 14, 28, August 11, and 25. Speakers who strongly support Trump will be present at each event. Speakers’ will be announced as they are confirmed. Attendance is free; no obligation to purchase a meal. However, the kitchen will be open for the convenience of those who wish to dine before the events start. Those intending to dine should notify the restaurant in advance by calling Abril or Renee Sparks at 480-589-0511. Diners should arrive by 6pm to ensure they have completed their meals before 7pm. A Republican voter registration table will be available at each event for the convenience of those who would like to register to vote in the upcoming Presidential election. Abril said she is hoping to attract Hispanics from Aguila, Congress, Morristown, Wittman, and Yavapai County who support Trump, but have not yet registered to vote.

The Arizona Game And Fish Department’s $75,000 Grant Funding application deadline is 5 pm., Thurs., July 14. Postmarks do not count. The purpose of the grant program is to support organizations in providing public, hands-on, mentored projects that provide continued skill development for those who just started hunting and fishing. The priority funding focus of this year’s grant program is on moving beginners from the recruitment stage to the retention stage of the Adoption Sequence. Projects and events that involve the pursuit or harvest of wildlife or fish with a license are being requested. Grants will be awarded through a competitive application process and must be open to the public. To apply, download an application packet from www.azgfd.gov/LSG. Completed applications should be submitted by e-mail to: dburt@azgfd.gov. Call Doug Burt, hunting and shooting sports program manager, at (623) 236-7487 to confirm receipt. There is no cost to Arizona taxpayers for this grant program. Game and Fish does not receive any of the state’s general tax funds and operates under a user-pay, public-benefit model. The grant program is an investment in the continuance of wildlife conservation efforts and outdoors recreation participation in Arizona. To learn more about how hunters, anglers, shooters and boaters fund wildlife conservation, visit www.azgfd.gov/h_f/federal-aid-cycle.shtml.

LD18 Senate Candidate Frank Schmuck’s satellite campaign office is now open from 6 am-9pm daily at 233 W Krista Way, Tempe where team members can pick up yards signs, a Crew Member T-shirt for volunteering, a call/walking list of your neighborhood, stickers, and work on the phone bank. Please bring your own cell phone. Drinks/food available to workers. RSVP to Connie at 831-234-5660.

Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairman Reince Priebus and Platform Committee Chair Senator John Barrasso released the following statement at the conclusion of Platform Committee meetings: "I'm proud of the work the delegates have done in drafting our Party's platform for the 2016 Republican National Convention," said RNC Chairman Reince Priebus. "This platform represents the input of grassroots Republicans from across the country who reaffirmed our Party's belief in limited constitutional government, family values, and a strong national defense. I thank them for their hard work and service to our Party." "The gathering of the Platform Committee is a unique opportunity for us to consider the diverse views for the future held among the millions of Republicans across the country,” said Platform Committee Chair Senator John Barrasso. “With the approval of this document, we reaffirm the principles that unite us all: American exceptionalism, the Constitution, and the importance of limiting the burden of government.”

It's Not About Assault Rifles, It's About Defending Freedom:An armed society, whether handguns, rifles, or assault weapons, is a significant and necessary deterrent against government tyranny and absolute power. The question is, when do the people invoke the Second Amendment to derail a government bent on absolute power?...

House Speaker Paul Ryan defended his endorsement of Donald Trump at a CNN town hall on Tuesday -- despite his frequent differences with the presumptive GOP nominee. "It is a binary choice," Ryan said at the event hosted by Jake Tapper. "It is either Donald Trump or Hillary Clinton. You don't get a third option." Yet when an audience member asked how Ryan could support a candidate who was "openly racist," Ryan reiterated his stance that opposing Trump amounts to supporting Clinton. The best chance for conservatives to have their priorities signed into law is with Trump in the White House, Ryan said, pointing to the ability of the next president to nominate Supreme Court justices. "The next person on the Supreme Court will shape this court probably for a generation," he said. CNN TV.

President BarackObama said at a memorial service that the five police officers gunned down in Dallas last week didn't die in vain. "I believe our sorrow can make us a better country. I believe our righteous anger can be transformed into more justice and more peace," Obama said.

In His Remarks, Former PresidentGeorge W. Bush also called for unity. "None of us were prepared or could be prepared for an ambush by hatred and malice. The shock of this evil still has not faded," Bush said. "To renew our unity, we only need to remember our values." CNN TV

The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) will participate in a multi-agency enforcement patrol this weekend on the Colorado River, pursuing those who are operating their boats and other watercraft while under the influence (OUI) of drugs or alcohol. AZGFD, together with the Mohave County Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, will be on the lookout for boat and watercraft operators violating the law and who are found to be above Arizona’s OUI legal limit of a .08 blood-alcohol content. Throughout the weekend, boaters may be required to pass through a checkpoint and be subject to a systematic safety inspection. Operators will be checked for any sign of impairment from alcohol or drugs, and to ensure the required safety equipment, such as proper life jackets and working fire extinguishers, are aboard. www.azgfd.gov/boating.

The Arizona Republican Assembly (AzRA) has released its final legislative scorecard. It can be viewed at 2016-Scorecard-Press-Release.pdf The top rates Senators include LD22 Judy Burges, LD16 David Farnsworth, LD12 Andy Biggs, and LD17 Steve Yarbrough. The top four Representatives are LD13 Darin Mitchell , LD15 John Allen, LD20 Anthony Kern, and LD25 “Rusty” Bowers. 23 conservative legislators exceeded a 90% final score, according to chairman Thayer Verschoor. For criteria in rating bill go to www.azra2016.com or : execdir@azra2016.com19 current legislators are AzRA members, with eight additional members currently running for office.

Lydia Abril, Owner Of Lydia’s La Canasta Restaurant In Wickenburg, is hosting four “Believers For Trump” events at her restaurant at 2023 W Wickenburg Way (SW corner of Hwy 60/Vulture Peak Way). The events are scheduled at 7 pm on July 14, 28, August 11, and 25. Speakers who strongly support Trump will be present at each event. Speakers’ will be announced as they are confirmed. Attendance is free; no obligation to purchase a meal. However, the kitchen will be open for the convenience of those who wish to dine before the events start. Those intending to dine should notify the restaurant in advance by calling Abril or Renee Sparks at 480-589-0511. Diners should arrive by 6pm to ensure they have completed their meals before 7pm. A Republican voter registration table will be available at each event for the convenience of those who would like to register to vote in the upcoming Presidential election. Abril said she is hoping to attract Hispanics from Aguila, Congress, Morristown, Wittmann, and Yavapai County who support Trump, but have not yet registered to vote.

LD18’sCandidate Forum is scheduled at 7 pm., Thurs., July 14 at the Arizona Community Church, 9325 S Rural Rd, Tempe with candidatesfor US Congress (CD9), Maricopa County Recorder, Sheriff, Corporation Commission, and Legislative District 18 (Senate and House). Candidate will rotate among small group tables to answer questions. Admission free. Some snacks/water will be available. RSVP to LD18 Third VC Jessica Merrow at merrowjessica@gmail.com or 480-306-2545

LD18 Has Confirmed that these candidates will be in attendance at their July 14 candidate forum:

If you received an invite to the event, but do not see your name on the list, please contact Jessica Merrow at merrowjessica@gmail.com/480-306-2545 ASAP. The event will be held at 6:30 pm., July 14 at the Arizona Community Church, 9325 S Rural Rd, Tempe.

The Tempe Republican Women’s 7 pm., Fri., July 15 potluck reservations link has been fixed and is now available at Tempe GOP Potluck the event is to be held at 2009 E Caroline Ln, Tempe, AZ 85284-3501. For more details contact Jessica Merrow at jessicaMerrow@gmail.com

July 15

The Tempe Republican Women’s Potluck that is scheduled at 7 pm., Fri., July 15 at 2009 E Caroline Lane in Tempe. Sign up at TRW sign up sheet

July 16

LD4 House Candidate Richard Hopkins will hold a “Meet & Greet” fundraiser between 4-6 pm, Sat., July 16 at the CO-OP Grill, 18300 Old US 80 in Arlington, AZ. It is the old Desert Rose Café. All ages welcome. Contact: Francine 623-979-8825 (H) or 602-499-9553.

The Fountain Hills Republican Club will hear from County Recorder Helen Purcel about election procedures at Sat., July 16. ALLcandidates and/or elected officials are welcome to attend meetings and will be given an opportunity to speak. fhrepublican@gmail.com

Maricopa County Recorder Helen Purcell will address election procedures when she appears before the Fountain Hills Republican Club on Sat., July 16.

July 18

The Arizona News Service/Arizona Capitol Times 2016 Meet the Candidates Event is scheduled between 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. on Mon, July 18 at the Sheraton Downtown Phoenix.

July 19

The Republican Women of Prescott (RWOP) meet for lunch Tues., July 19 at